Budget Mic Smackdown: the Audio Technica AT2020 vs sE Electronics X1A 

Thanks for your comment! I’m glad you found the review helpful. Let me know what you ultimately end up with.

Me also. The sE sounds better.

I'm not so sure about the superiority of the X1A since even today the AT2020 is the best-selling condenser microphone and there must be a reason ;-)

I have used the se mic and take it from me you will not regret your decision to buy it!, my music recorded on Se mic and Akg p120 mic constantly goes on air on radio and tv in my country so yeah you can make both of them sound pro!!!!

Thanks for watching! Yes you’re right that it will muffle the sound. Typically though, manufacturers build the mic with that in mind. So the mic might be too bright without the pop filter. I remember Lauten Audio was very quick to stress that the (external) pop filter on their LS-208 was an integral part of the sound, and it would be brighter than intended without it. But hey, if you like the AT2020, then great! 😀

And thanks for watching!

Thanks! I appreciate you, and also you taking the time to comment.

I’m glad you found the video helpful!

While I haven't used the original X1, I can say the biggest difference is the capsule: the X1 is considered a large diameter diaphragm with a 34mm overall capsule (probably 25mm diaphragm), and the X1A has a medium diameter with a 17mm diaphragm. The X1 I think sold for around $200, which is twice the cost of the X1A. They have different configurations on their highpass filters and pads. Both have self-noise of around 16 dbA, but the X1A can handle much louder sounds. You could find out more by visiting recordinghacks.com, which has more info and specs. P.S. I love the X1A. :)

​@@MatthewHaines Thank you so much for a quick reply! Would you recommend the X1A for the beginner for vocal recording in not studio environment?

@@udaaga Yes! Because it has a built-in pop filter, you can get closer to it than other condenser mics and not have as many plosive problems. Getting closer to a mic will help reduce the effect of background noises and room reflections because the main sound of your voice will be relatively louder. You'll still want to sing in the best environment you can create, but it's a good-sounding and high-performing mic for the price. And if you DO buy it and disagree, please let me know!

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your reasoned answers!

Thank you and thanks for watching!

Sorry, I have not tried either of those mics!

Hi! The X1A is a great mic. You’ll need a computer to record to, and some recording software. You’ll also need a mic preamp/usb interface to amplify the mic signal and supply phantom power (and get the audio into your computer). You need a mic cable and some sort of stand. I recommend a pop filter. Another option is a usb mic. You skip having to buy an interface but you don’t have the flexibility of a usb interface. I’ll be reviewing the sE electronics “neom” in a few weeks. Spoiler alert: it sounds good!

@@MatthewHaines thankyou so somuch mathew , it helped alot , waiting for your upcoming video, love from India Namaste 😃🙏🏻😊

Thanks, Mike!

It sure does. I used this exact microphone for most of my music recordings

Probably the biggest difference is that the X1S is a large diaphragm condenser, whereas the X1A is a medium diaphragm. 25mm vs 16mm or something like that. I have never heard an X1S in person, so I don't know how they compare sound wise. Thanks for your comment!

@@MatthewHaines thanks!

I appreciate you watching the video AND your thoughtful comment. I disagree with your conclusion of course. Yes, the AT2020 is a very popular mic, but I think the X1A clearly beat it in terms of features AND sound quality. Even something like the CAD Audio Equitek E40 is a better mic (in my opinion) than the AT2020. But the AT2020 can still record audio adequately, so it's not a dog. Just overvalued.

The X1A has an internal pop filter which will help reduce plosives. I’d go with the X1A. I’ve had my AT2020 for longer, but always reach for the X1A these days.

@@MatthewHainesThankyou

Agreed!

That's why these head-to-head comparisons can be useful. Thanks for watching!

I use a usb preamp to record them on my computer and then sync the audio during editing. I don’t input them directly into my camera.

Hi! For spoken-word work such as poetry, especially in an untreated room, you might want to go with a dynamic microphone. This will allow you to get very close to it, which will mask background noise. On the low end of the price range - and this is all equipment I have personally used - I would suggest a Zoom ZM-1 and a Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB mic preamp. $50 for the mic and $60 for the interface (in the US). For more money, you could pick up a Sontronics Podcast Pro for $150 and a Focusrite Scarlett for $100 Another good preamp/interface is the Universal Audio Volt 1 for $140. I regularly use the UA Volt 176 for $180, which includes built-in analog compression/limiting. This is great for preventing against clipping and also makes your voice sound fuller. I have used the "Volt 1", but it's the same as the Volt 176, minus the compressor. Another dynamic mic to consider, for about $150, is the sE Electronics DCM6. I haven't used it, but I've used it's big brother, the DynaCaster (which would probably put you over your limit). Hope that helps!

@@MatthewHaines Sir, I will buy Universal Volt 1 Dynacaster mic Is this setup is good for poetry recording? I will get clear and crisp sound quality

@@deolludhianvi yes! I use the Dynacaster and a variant of the Volt 1 all the time. It sounds very good!

@@MatthewHaines Sir i have a small question. If I take this setup. Can I mix after recording? Can I make my voice beautiful by applying EQ and compression?

@@deolludhianvi Yes, but you'll need audio software that allows you to do that. The DynaCaster has some EQ switches on the back so you can adjust your sound to your liking, but for additional EQ and compression, you'll need software that supports that.

Perhaps! But then the X1A wins on price. I haven't had an AT2035 to test, so I can't comment on how it would compare to the X1A. Thanks for your comment!

@@MatthewHaines i mean, you can get an at2035 for 110usd on sweetwater

I'm definitely not qualified to talk about singing! At least, ME singing.

I can't speak on the MXL 990, but I agree re the AT2020! Thanks for your comment.

Yeah, they are harsh. But MXL 770 is better than 990, so it could be X1 competitor.

@@sandokan5410 I did not mention the se X1 (ldc), but the X1A (medium sized capsule). With a slightly smaller capsule the mxl 770 could be a X1A contender, but only if it is far less noisy than the mxl 990 (but the specs on both of them claim 20 dB(A)), so I don't expect them to.

Wow, thanks! I’m blushing.